Formula 1 looking at african race

Formula One wants to go back to Africa, with the Moroccan city of Marrakesh and South Africa’s Kyalami circuit keen to host a race as well as classic European venues as it considers its future calendar, according to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

Rwanda and Nigeria have also expressed interest in fan festivals on their territory.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says multiple venues in Africa have showing an interest in joining the World Championship schedule.

Africa is the only inhabited continent not to currently host a grand prix with South Africa’s Kyalami last holding an event in 1993.

Kyalami currently holds an FIA Grade 2 safety rating but MotorsportWeek.com understands that the venue is awaiting a fresh inspection which could see it move to Grade 1, potentially paving the way for Formula 1 to return.

Kyalami was due to host a round of the World Endurance Championship this month but it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Formula E, meanwhile, has held events in Marrakesh, in Morocco, which was the only other African country to host a grand prix, back in 1958.

World Champion Lewis Hamilton last year commented his priority would be for Formula 1 to return to Africa.

“There are areas that I can tell you have shown interest; basically in North Africa and South Africa,” Domenicali is quoted by RACER.

“This is something that’s very important I think in terms of having new places or old places with heritage back in Formula 1.

“We don’t have to forget that we have lost some European races that now are showing interest in being considered again.

“For sure if we are doing a good product you may say that if the value is high you may reach the same kind of business without being too numerous in terms of races, and that could be the approach.

“If you are able to do the right choices, I think that will be the way to go. It may not be in the shortest time but that is the target, I would say.”

Formula 1 has added Saudi Arabia to its 2021 calendar, as the only new venue, while Zandvoort is due to return after its planned 2020 comeback was postponed due to the pandemic.

FORMULA 1 LOOKING AT AFRICAN RACE IN SA OR MOROCCO FORMULA 1 LOOKING AT AFRICAN RACE IN SA OR MOROCCO

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